Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we wrap up our Mental Health Minute initiative, I’m excited to share a new resource, the Archdiocesan Mental Health Referral Network.
We frequently receive requests for Catholic mental health professionals, and this network intends to help us meet that need by providing information on local mental health providers. Each listing includes the provider’s religious affiliation. If a provider is listed as Catholic, it means they have successfully completed our vetting process.
If you know of a local mental health professional who may be interested in joining the network, please share the post below outlining the requirements and encourage them to reach out to me at namorales@archphila.org. We are especially looking for professionals who speak multiple languages to better serve our diverse community.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare for a blessed Advent season, let us also remember the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 . You can read Pope Francis’ inspiring message from this day in 2021 here.
As we enter this Advent season, may we renew our commitment to accompany individuals with disabilities with compassion, understanding, and the light of Christ.
May God bless you,
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Each month you will receive a "mental health minute" which will include facts surrounding mental health, as well as, insights from the Catholic Church. You are encouraged to share the information with your parish communities via Narthex monitors, parish Flocknotes, bulletins or simply in conversation.
Are you a Licensed Mental Health Professional?
Join the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Mental Health Referral Network. The Archdiocese is seeking local clinicians who would like to support Catholic families and individuals seeking mental health care that aligns with and respects our Catholic beliefs and values. We are especially in need of therapists who can provide services in various languages.
A mental health professional seeking to be referred by the Archdiocese is required to submit the following for the vetting process:
- current license information
- proof of insurance,
- curriculum vitae/resume,
- a letter of good standing from his or her pastor (or other Catholic ministry leader).
If you are interested in joining or for more information about this program, please contact Natalie Morales, Director of Office for Persons with Disabilities at namorales@archphila.org.
On January 5, 2025, Archbishop Nelson Pérez launched his initiative Trust and Hope as a response to the stark reality that 83% of Catholics are disconnected from the life of the Church. Too often, individuals living with mental illness step away from the Church for various reasons, sometimes the reason is that someone within the community lacked the knowledge or resources to offer the support they truly needed.
This Advent, all are invited to pray the traditional St. Andrew Christmas Novena (November 30-December 24) for the intention of the reconciliation of inactive Catholics with the Church, their home. During this novena, we will especially remember our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who are part of the 83%. To participate, visit phillyevang.org/novena or use the links below.
Mental Health Ministries
St. John Chrysostom is offering its parishioners a mental health ministry through Stephen Ministries. If you are interested in learning more about their ministry, visit https://sjcparish.org/stephen.
Interested in beginning a Mental Health Ministry in your parish?
Fact Check. 74% of Americans with a severe disability do not use a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker. Invisible disabilities include: ADHD, anxiety, autism, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, many others!
This infographic and suggested alt text is available in Spanish - please share with others!
Hope Runs Deep Ministry
Our friends from the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin have shared this prayerful ministry with us. A mile can be dedicated regardless of where you live.
Healing Mass
Retreat Opportunities
Restore Healing Retreat (for men and women)
How do anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or emotional wounding get in your way of the meaningful and authentic relationships you were made to experience? Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, our Lord gently invites us into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. We will follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the memories, the moments, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. It is there that our Lord longs to meet us with His mercy and His love, which are the true balm for our wounded hearts. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Steve DeLacy and De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry
Location: Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA
More info: youaremadenew.com/rest or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
Learning Opportunities
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability has a New online course in Spanish, Intensivo de Salud Mental (Mental Health Intensive).
Participants will learn about accompaniment, stigma, and suicide. Since the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an affiliate diocese, participants receive an additional 15% off with a coupon code! E-Mail ncpd@ncpd.org for the code. Enroll here.
Participants will learn about accompaniment, stigma, and suicide. Since the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an affiliate diocese, participants receive an additional 15% off with a coupon code! E-Mail ncpd@ncpd.org for the code. Enroll here.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental health conditions and their loved ones. They raise awareness, offer resources for individuals and families, provide education, and offer both crisis hotlines and help lines for anyone in need.
Testimonials of local parishioners who have found support through NAMI:
“The NAMI family support groups saved me.” - Lisa, St. Eugene, Primos, PA
"I feel so blessed to have found the Havertown NAMI Family Support Group. The facilitators are excellent and it is a great group of compassionate and caring people. My initial experience with NAMI Mainline was through the Family- to- Family classes in the Spring of 2015, and from there began attending the monthly support group meetings.
Our son was experiencing unusual behavior, had several hospitalizations and we were at a loss at how to help him. These meetings allowed me to talk freely about my feelings without fear of judgement. As a group we share our experiences and I’ve been able to find resources that otherwise I wouldn’t have known are available.
My son is doing very well now and I am so grateful for this group at NAMI who have supported me throughout this journey. It is a wonderful resource for those in need."
- Karen, St. Cornelius Church, Chadds Ford, PA
Connect with your local NAMI:
These events and resources offer valuable support however, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia does not guarantee the effectiveness or appropriateness for any individual's specific needs. These events and resources are not intended to replace professional mental health treatment.